Recently I had an opportunity to do an outdoor makeover for a friend, and today is Reveal Day! Watch below to see the transformation:
When Article reached out to me a few months ago wanting to partner up, I had the perfect space in mind for an outdoor makeover. A friend of mine here in Tampa had a great screened in patio, but it needed some help:
Her current setup was a couple small tables and a grill, but she wanted to make the space more functional and inviting for guests.
Below you can see the covered entrance from her living room, which leads to the main open area.
Here it is from the outside, looking back at the house:
It’s on the smaller side, so we had to get creative with the layout to include multiple areas for lounging, dining and grilling.
Ready for the After?
Well, hello there! Is this a suburban Florida backyard or a swanky 5-star hotel lounge? I can’t tell.
Just when you think it can’t get any better—a pug, a frenchie and a bunny show up…
This basically turned into a cute animal photoshoot, but I don’t think anyone minds.
Okay, back to the makeover!
The very first step was deciding on furniture. It wasn’t an easy task narrowing down our options from Article’s outdoor selection. I’ve seen a few folks rave about the quality and ordering process, so I was looking forward to trying them out! We were immediately drawn to this dark and dramatic Urba sectional, and that became the centerpiece of the layout.
Because they’re on online-only store, they don’t have the high markup like other brands and they work directly with the manufacturers, offering a nice selection of curated pieces. I’m a big fan of their clean lined/Scandinavian inspired designs, because you can dress it up or down in any style you like (and it’ll last throughout the seasons!)
The sectional became the jumping off point for the design, which evolved into a lush tropical glam style with lots of natural wood tones, woven materials and mixed metals.
The matching acacia wood coffee table was used as well (btw, these are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use) and there was just enough room for two Arca lounge chairs to complete the conversational area. Isn’t the wood tone on these gorgeous?
We eliminated the white tabletop and left the black set as a casual dining area.
The old umbrella was replaced with this pretty fringe canopy, and cafe lights strung overhead.
We also hung 10′ long outdoor-safe curtains (we found these for only $9/panel! How is that possible?) The curtains make a huge difference in the space with added privacy, shade, and that breezy chic style.
One of the biggest changes was this custom built cedar plank grill surround and privacy wall.
It’s the perfect match of form and function. I love the wall of hanging plants, which she can change up over time (this would be a great spot for fresh herbs to pull from while grilling!)
The entryway was also spruced up with two Daisy lounge chairs and a cozy Home Goods rug (Buttercup the pug approves). We chose all of the furniture in this space with durability in mind, since it’ll be getting a ton of use from both family, friends and pets (and constant exposure to those Florida summer thunderstorms) So far, so good!
I sure wouldn’t mind entertaining here…
My favorite time to be outside is the golden hour, just before the sun sets.
When you’ve got that evening glow from the sky, string lights and candlelight…
Summertime is magic—don’t you agree?
I’ll leave you with the outtakes of the pup photoshoot:
Sources
Sectional: Urba Slate Gray
Coffee table: Urba
Two wood chairs: Arca
Two round chairs: Daisy lounge
Rug: Wayfair 7×10″
Curtains: Lowe’s
Patio table: Wayfair (old)
Patio umbrella: World Market (sold out, similar here)
Cafe lights: 125 ct, Amazon
Faux ivy wall: Amazon
Mudcloth pillow covers: Sew + Cloth, Etsy
Striped pillows: Annie Selke
Blankets, lanterns, planters, misc decor: Home Goods & Ross
Pssst… looking for outdoor entertaining ideas? I’m sharing my top 5 tips (and reliving past patio makeovers) on Simon Said!
Arlene says
Love it! Looks so inviting. But……after having recently experiencing our grill catching on fire, it looks like a fire hazard! So glad we only use ours in the great wide outdoors free of any structures or we wouldn’t have a house right now. Love the curtains. What a deal!
Sandi says
Fabulous! Very creative and a great design eye. You are going places, Jenna Sue! I really enjoy following you and your adventures.
jennasuedesign says
That’s so sweet of you to say, Sandi! xo
Kim says
We’re supposed to have one of these installed and I was having trouble getting getting excited about it. Am used to wooden, screened structures. This post couldn’t have come at a better time; such a beautiful job! Am feeling a little better about it. Curious as to the dimensions of the space. How big is it? Trying to visualize how to decorate the space. Thanks!
jennasuedesign says
Glad I could help provide some inspo! The main screened in area is approx 14’8″ x 17’2″
Mason says
“custom built cedar plank grill surround and privacy wall” THIS is what I want to know all about!!! Plans somewhere? pics on the build? MORE!!!!
jennasuedesign says
Unfortunately we don’t, she had a contractor come and custom build it. Turned out amazing!
Linz says
Wow!!! All the wows!!! You are so talented!! This is so perfect. Love the softness the curtains add, the coziness of the rug and your impeccable styling. ???
jennasuedesign says
Thanks Linz! Many great things came together to make this work (including a lot of effort from my friend, and her furbabies!?
Victoria says
It’s nice of you to share with your friends. I really think the curtains make the most difference!
jennasuedesign says
Oh absolutely, curtains are HUGE! I even would say necessary in outdoor spaces.
Yahoo says
Is the furniture comfortable? It sure looks so nice!
Great Job I saw it on Insta and in your stories and came here for more info.
jennasuedesign says
YES! The cushions are very cushy. We love it all 🙂
Kat Wachter says
I love this! Any chance you can do a DIY or a breakdown of the grilling/privacy wall?
jennasuedesign says
Unfortunately she had a contractor come and custom build it, so we have no plans/info other than it was built with cedar planks!
Sharon says
This is amazing! I love the plank wall too — it adds so much in terms of function and the natural wood. Great job, I am sure your friend is loving it, as well as her fur babies!
Ashleigh Almony says
How did you hang the planters on the wall?
jennasuedesign says
They make these little metal clips that you screw into the wood, and they grab the lip of the pot. Pretty cool!
Kathleen says
Amazing as always! Your style is perfect.
So happy to have you in Florida and can’t wait to see everything you do with the Reno and new house.
Anne M Anzil says
Looks so good and inviting! Can you tell me where the owner bought those wood bar stools/table?
jennasuedesign says
Thanks Anne! Those are old from Wayfair.
Arli says
That is one of the best makeovers I’ve ever seen! It does look like a swanky hotel. And the pets match the furniture perfectly, or visa-versa.
jennasuedesign says
Haha, it’s true! Even the bunny. Just noticed that 😉
Marty Oravetz says
Wow, what an amazing makeover. This is unreal. Love it all.
jennasuedesign says
Thanks Marty! We’re so pleased with how it all came together.
wendy says
Great job, as always! The furry little models kick it up a notch. 🙂 What are the dimensions of this space? You managed to squeeze in a lot of seating areas. I LOVE the privacy/grill wall!
jennasuedesign says
Thanks Wendy! The screened in area is 14’8″ x 17’2″. We tried to maximize every bit of it! 😉